Dillsburg Open Features Surprise Victories
The Dillsburg Open was a great escape from a weekend of endless rain. Twenty-nine players attended the tournament, which was held in the recreation building at the Calvary United Methodist Church Family Life Center in Dillsburg, PA. The event was opened with a prayer by the host Reverend Mike Koplitz, and round one began as scheduled. Coffee and donuts were provided for all participants.
The tournament ran smoothly and the latter rounds began ahead of schedule, thanks to tournament director Sam Lamonto. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, particularly between rounds one and two when pizza and soda was provided. There was plenty to go around, saving the players the stress of having to find lunch quickly in an unfamiliar town. The book sale in the lobby was a hit, helping players to occupy their time between rounds. The sale featured many popular, as well as hard to find, books at reduced prices. Some of the books contained autographs on the cover page, a major perk for chess book enthusiasts.
The event was characterized by two large upsets, with Carroll (J.R.) Travers (1376) defeating expert Joe Mucerino (2134), and Jeff Schmidt (1131) defeating Ryan Cook (1638). Travers finished the tournament by splitting first place under 1400 with Jacob Heybey and Russell Thomas. Jeff Schmidt took first under 1200, losing only to Mucerino.
Two players finished with perfect 3-0 scores (Carlos Cruz & Edmund Chong). They shared first and second overall and received a cash prize of $90 each.
Joe Desmond, Joe Kennedy & Nate Carabello (2.0) tied for second U1800 and each received $10 in chess merchandise.
U1600 – Brian Fortson and Winn Jones (1.5) tied for 1-2 Under 1600 and were awarded $25 each and $10 in chess merchandise.
U1400 – Carroll (J.R.) Travers, Jacob Heybey & Russell Thomas (2.0) shared 1-2 Under 1400 and were awarded $20 each.
U1200 – Jeff Schmidt (1.5) had the highest U1200 score, and was awarded $30. Dan Blair & Dave Fuller (1.0) tied for second under 1200 and were awarded $10 each in chess merchandise.
U1000 – Garret Lee (1.5) had the highest score Under 1000 and received $30; Kevin Fong was second Under 1000, and was awarded $10 in merchandise.
Chris King (4-2) took first in the unrated section and will receive free one year USCF and PSCF memberships
An additional $50 in merchandise prizes were awarded in door prize drawings.
Sam Lamonto will be directing the White Rose Open on Nov. 14, 2009 in York PA. Details can be found at www.harrisburgchess.com.
2 Responses to “Dillsburg Open Features Surprise Victories”
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YMCA Kids Club and Tournament
The kids chess club at the Camp Curtin branch YMCA in Harrisburg offers games and instruction 6 days a week. They also host a FREE monthly chess tournament. More about the kids program and event...
Family Chess Night
Kids receive free instruction at the Fredrickson Library's Chess Night in Camp Hill. Learn more...
Chess Lessons
Chess Expert Michael Mazock is available for personal chess training and instruction. Rates are $25 an hour, or $40 for a two hour session.
(717) 422-8321 or
mmazock@comcast.net
Ryan,
Thanks for the encouraging feedback….I hope the York event goes as smoothly!
Sam
The Dillsburg Open has now been rated….the results are now posted on the USCF site.